Showing 1 - 10 of 14
When your house is not a home
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 02/11/2014
» Many expats have conflicting views of the difference between domicile and residence. One school of thought is that they are easily interchangeable, not realising the impact this may have when they die. The vast majority do not understand that probate will have a significant effect on the administration of their estate. Whether you like it or not, your domicile and the probate process are closely tied together.
US citizens take note: Fatca has landed
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 13/07/2014
» After years of talk, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (Fatca) is finally in effect. How will it affect you if you are a US citizen?
Is Fatca just for fat cats? US expats beware
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 23/03/2014
» The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (Fatca) will take effect on July 1. If you are a US expat what does that mean for you?
Personal protection expats should have
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 23/02/2014
» Many expats sincerely believe that mishaps and accidents will never happen to them. They continue their daily lives almost in oblivion and never think of the consequences of sickness or accidents. It is only when someone becomes the victim of a life-changing event or witnesses the devastation it can cause — maybe to a friend or family — that they actually realise and accept that this actually happens to real people.
Ride the wave or prepare for the bursting bubble?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 24/11/2013
» Global stock markets seem to be energised by steroids, otherwise known as quantitative easing (QE). At the first sign of a reduction in the dosage, equities plummet; so why is QE apparently causing an effect in contrast to the original intention? Are you adequately prepared if the bubble bursts?
Why it's never too early for the young expat to start planning
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 13/10/2013
» The younger expat community is growing in Southeast Asia, attracted by the opportunities on offer in one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. This downward trend in age has also revealed a more prevalent integration of expats into local communities. They have left their welfare states behind and are catapulting into the future with enthusiasm. But what provisions must they make for the financial challenges they will face in the future? A more independent lifestyle also carries with it the responsibility of taking care of their own long-term financial independence.
Easing into property-related holdings
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 29/09/2013
» In our last article we looked at alternative investment opportunities available via equities and the S&P 500. This general topic was clearly popular and some readers have asked for more details. Others were keen to explore the possibilities of additional alternative investments. Some want to invest in property assets but do not wish to actually buy the physical asset as they find the cost prohibitive.
Offshore private pension transfers: growing clarity for QROPS
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 26/05/2013
» If you have ever worked in the UK, no matter what your nationality, you probably were enrolled in a private pension scheme to which your employer and maybe you made contributions. The UK government continues to tweak legislative changes affecting the expat's ability to move this pension offshore. On the surface, these changes appear to limit transfer options, but in reality they have strengthened the legal framework, offering expats continuing advantages.
Expats beware: New UK tax residency tests
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 17/02/2013
» New and complex rules relating to tax residency in the United Kingdom have been proposed. By allowing more specific determination of tax residency, they add clarity but cast the tax net wider. So, who is the beneficiary here: you or the UK taxman?
Double tax agreements: Look before you leap
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 10/02/2013
» Relying on double tax agreements (DTA) as the basis for dealing with your tax problems is a tricky business. Although they have a place as one of a few effective tax management tools, they need to be used carefully, and as usual, the devil is in the details.